"I hope Parra get to kick off and they defend that first set because I think it'd be something special," he said."

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy pointed to the Eels' strong form before the heavy punishment, where they won six of their opening nine games to sit just one victory behind ladder leaders Brisbane in fifth spot.

It was their best start to a season since their last premiership in 1986.

The Eels technically remain in the top eight before the final findings are handed down in mid-June and competition points are stripped.

"It's certainly a tough ask, especially in this competition, to win 12 out of 15 games," Bellamy said.

"But their form in the early part of the year has been really good. They've beaten the Cowboys once and they went really close the other time up in Townsville ... they've been really impressive.

"I think they're capable of doing it, without a doubt. It'll take a lot of effort from everyone in their club. Having said that, they've got a chance and I'm sure they'll give it their best shot.

"They've got a pretty favourable draw there as well, so there's a few things going their way there."

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden said the close-knit Eels would make a real go of the challenge.

"It's going to be a big task from where they're starting but, if you have a look at the group, they seem pretty tight. So I'm sure that that'll be their challenge that they'll have a crack at."